“`After eight decades of being a male-only organization, Barbershop Harmony Society has announced that women will be allowed to join the a capella singing organization. The organization, which is based in Nashville, Tennessee, announced on their website that membership to the society is open to everyone, effective immediately.

“`But, the statement also says that its local chapters will get to decide how to integrate, or whether to integrate their singing groups, such as keeping male-only choruses, or having female-only choruses or mixed groups.

“`The Barbershop Harmony Society opened to men of color in 1963. In 2009, women were allowed to participate in the organization as associates, but couldn’t join chapters or quartets.

“`Consider this latest decision a profile in courage in its decision-making policy.